2021 President Dee Dee Miller on Volunteering, Affordable Housing, 2021 Year Preview

In this episode, Maryland REALTORS CEO, Chuck Kasky, Esq., is joined by Maryland Department of Planning Secretary,  Rebecca L. Flora, to discuss how planners can guide, change, create more sustainable and equitable outcomes, and establish themselves as critical to Maryland's thriving communities. 

Rebecca L. Flora, AICP, was confirmed as Governor Wes Moore’s nominee for Secretary of the Maryland Department of Planning on February 17, 2023, the latest achievement in a career spanning more than 35 years, including planning leadership positions in the public and private sectors.

As Secretary, Flora provides comprehensive leadership of the Department’s mission, objectives, and initiatives, including oversight of Planning Services, State Data Center, Maryland Historical Trust (MHT), and Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum (JPPM) in Calvert County.

Flora comes to the Department of Planning with extensive urban planning experience, having worked in the Pittsburgh area for more than 20 years in project management, community development, and was the first executive director of the Green Building Alliance (GBA), whose vision is to address climate change, advance human health, achieve social equity, and create thriving economies.

In this episode, Chuck Kasky, Maryland REALTORS® CEO, dives deep into housing policy with Dr. Salim Furth, Senior Research Fellow and Director of the Urbanity project at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, and Lisa May, Maryland REALTORS® Director of Advocacy and Public Policy.

Listen as Chuck, Salim, and Lisa examine the issues of zoning, housing costs, and the effects on Maryland first-time homebuyers. Salim breaks down the intricacies of gentrification and the impact it has on regional affordability and local affordability. Additionally, Lisa discusses the ambitious policy proposed by the Moore administration that may begin to address the lack of housing in Maryland.

Salim Furth is a Senior Research Fellow and Director of the Urbanity project at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. His research focuses on housing production and land use regulation and has been published in Housing Policy Debate, Critical Housing Analysis, and the IZA Journal of Labor Policy. He has testified before several state legislatures as well as the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. He frequently advises local government officials on zoning reform and housing affordability.

Furth's writing has appeared in National Affairs, American Affairs, The City, Public Discourse, and numerous newspapers. He previously worked at the Heritage Foundation, at Amherst College, and as a contractor to HUD. He earned his Ph.D. in economics from the University of Rochester.

Featured Research

"Single-Family Zoning and Race: Evidence From the Twin Cities." Published in Housing Policy Debate.

"California Zoning: Housing Construction and a New Ranking of Local Land Use Regulation." (Salim Furth & Olivia Gonzalez)

In this episode, Chuck Kasky, Maryland REALTORS® CEO, catches up with Lisa May, Maryland REALTORS® Director of Advocacy and Public Policy, to discuss major topics and critical policies that will be presented during the 2024 legislative session.

Listen as Chuck and Lisa dive into housing policies and the Moore administration’s proposed housing package.

In this special episode, Maryland REALTORS CEO, Chuck Kasky, Esq., is joined by urban planner and author of Arbitrary Lines, M. Nolan Gray, to discuss the history of regulatory zoning laws,  missing middle housing, city density and policies that continue to have tremendous impacts on  local economies. 

M. Nolan Gray is a professional city planner and an expert in urban land-use regulation. He is currently completing a Ph.D. in urban planning at the University of California, Los Angeles. Gray previously worked on the front lines of zoning as a planner in New York City. 

M. Nolan Gray provides historical context on where urban landscapes find themselves today in regards to the housing crisis and how policy has historically limited housing growth. However in contrast, he provides examples of successful policy changes that have enabled  the expansion of housing options for diverse populations through creative land use and re-evaluation of dated policies.

This episode was recorded live at the ALL IN Maryland REALTORS Annual Conference .

Chuck Kasky, Maryland REALTORS® CEO,  is joined by Michael Cunningham, Maryland REALTORS® Director Information Technology, to discuss the power and highly invested push of artificial intelligence.

Listen as Michael and Chuck delve into the evolution of technologies and demystify  artificial intelligence, self-driving cars, and augmented reality. Also, learn about how REALTORS® and agents may be able to use these tools to improve their business' efficiency in the near future.

Maryland REALTORS® CEO, Chuck Kasky, is joined by Maryland REALTORS® Diversity Equity and Inclusion Advisory Group Chair Terring Wang, and Vice Chair, Wayne Curtis, to discuss the increased DEI efforts, measuring outcomes, and how to integrate equitable behavior in a corporate environment.

Terring and Wayne share their individual perspectives on how to achieve equity in the real estate industry and what brokerages should be aiming towards as they serve and assist their clients and communities.

For more information, visit: www.mdrealtor.org/DEI

Chuck Kasky, Maryland REALTORS® CEO,  is joined by Lisa May, Maryland REALTORS® Director of Advocacy and Public Policy, to review the 2023 legislative session.

In this episode, Lisa and Chuck break down the function and structure of Advocacy, how bills are passed during session, and what key bills were passed this year in favor of Maryland REALTORS® and consumers. Lisa also provides a quick preview of what to expect for the 2024 legislative session.

Key highlights
EV Charging and Infrastructure
Escrow Deposit Bill
Advertising Compliance
Required CE for New Licensees
Condo and HOAs
Accessory Dwelling Units

In this episode, host and Chief Executive Officer, Chuck Kasky, Esq. speaks with Director of Legal Affairs, Kathleen Dartez, Esq. about the importance of fair housing and how REALTORS® can ensure that everyone has equal access to housing.

Learn how fair housing laws protect against discrimination based on an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and/or disability. Kathleen also shares some common examples of current and past housing discrimination, as well as resources that can assist individuals in navigating a fair housing complaint. Throughout the episode, Kathleen emphasizes the importance of education and outreach to promote fair housing and create more inclusive communities.

Check out the resources below:
2023 NAR Fair Housing Challenge
https://www.nar.realtor/videos/2023-presidents-challenge
Fairhaven Simulation
https://www.nar.realtor/fair-housing/fairhaven
Implicit Bias Video
https://www.nar.realtor/videos/bias-override-overcoming-barriers-to-fair-housing

In this episode, Maryland REALTORS®’ CEO, Chuck Kasky, Esq. is joined by Julie Weaver, Executive Director at Maryland Council on Economic Education, to discuss improving financial literacy instruction in K-12 schools throughout Maryland.

Julie breaks down the proposed curriculum requirements, the expected outcomes, and how developing positive financial decision-making skills as a student can create the foundation for future homeownership. 

Learn about HB0099 and SB0316:
https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/hb0099?ys=2023RS

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0316?ys=2023RS

To learn more about the MCEE visit: www.econed.org 

In this episode, Maryland REALTORS®' CEO, Chuck Kasky, Esq.,  provides historical context regarding past real estate practices, explores the future legal landscape of the industry, and examines a few potential unintended consequences that may ultimately affect consumers. 

He is joined by the National Association of REALTORS®' General Counsel and Chief Member Experience Officer, Katie Johnson, Esq., who provides direct insight into the recent cases involving the Department of Justice and explains what REALTORS® can continue to do to maximize their value while providing services for their clients.

Katie joined NAR in 2007 and was appointed as General Counsel in 2014. As General Counsel, she is responsible for assuring that the programs, policies, and activities of NAR are in compliance with the law. She also is responsible for defending the association against legal challenges and initiating litigation to protect and preserve association assets and policies. As NAR’s Chief Member Experience Officer, she leads initiatives to enhance member engagement and satisfaction through delivery of trusted knowledge, resources and experiences that elevate member success and professionalism.

For more information and resources, visit:

•  https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/federal-court-doj-must-uphold-settlement-with-nar
•  competition.realtor